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Press & Testimonials

WWC Chair in Discussion at Calgary Reads

Sunday May 17, 2015

WWC Chair Randy McCharles participated in a panel discussion on CBC Calgary on May 22 during the CBC
"Calgary Reads" book sale. (Discussion begins roughly 50 minutes into the recording.)

What Past Guests of Honour are Saying About WWC

Sunday May 17, 2015

"When Words Collide is my favourite convention, bar none...I go to lots of conventions as an invited guest -- I was one of the guests of honour at the first When Words Collide -- but WWC is the only one I fly back to year after year at my own expense."

Robert J. SawyerRed Planet Blues
Triggers
FlashForward

"...a perfect combination of convention and writers conference populated by smart, talented people. I would love to go back."

"When Words Collide is a festival for Readers and Writers at all levels from beginner to seasoned pro! Guaranteed to provide laughter, learning and the best weekend's entertainment on this planet or any other."

"...a delightfully varied experience, with an experienced staff, fascinating guests, and a splendidly diverse approach to modern literature."

Walter Jon WilliamsThe Fourth Wall
Deep State
The Rift

"An exuberant gathering of readers, writers, artists and publishing professionals, converging from a variety of literary, commercial and performance disciplines and genres... There truly is something for everyone."

"There's a reason When Words Collide is one of the few sold out literary conferences: well thought out panels and talks, dedicated fans, seamless organization, great hosts. And not to mention parties worth travelling half way across the country for!"

D.J. McIntoshThe Angel Of Eden, June 2015
From Penguin Random House

"... a wonderful, engaging experience ... full of bright and book-savvy people on both sides of the table ... a literary experience that challenges, intrigues and--most of all--delivers what it promises ..."

Rachel CaineNYT and USA Today bestselling author

A fantastic all-genre conference. As a speaker, I was impressed by the festival’s level of organization and as a writer, I was impressed by just how much fun it was. I’ve been to WWC twice and look forward to returning.

Kelley ArmstrongBitten

“When Words Collide is just about my favorite con in the world. Yes, it’s friendly and fun and all the things an author wants a con to be. But more than that, it’s a serious literary convention, run by competent, professional people who know how to put to use those of us who are there to talk about craft and publishings, and attended by smart, talented folks who love the written word. If I could, I’d go back every year.”

David B. Coe/D.B. JacksonA Plunder of Souls

"...a top notch conference providing information, networking, from professionals and experts from across the spectrum of writing and publishing, and a place where, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, I found great value and walked away with powerful new learnings. I signed up to attend the next year the second they started taking registrations."

2013 WWC Testimonials

Sunday Jul 27, 2014

I must say that WWC is my favourite convention these days. The multi-genre
programming has lead to a lot of cross-pollination that is just wonderful.
E.g., my favourite panel last year was one given by the Director of The
Alberta Playwrights Network on playwriting...so many suggestions for
staging and structure that went straight into my novel writing. So highly
recommended.Blog posts from attendees at the 2013 When Words Collide festival:
-- Robert Runté, University of Lethbridge Professor, Five Rivers Publishing Senior Editor.

Tuesday May 29, 2012

"I'm definitely planning on attending after hearing
so many rave reviews about the 2011 event."

-Alison Lohans (YA/children's author)

Friday July 21, 2012

"I think I speak for everyone who was there — that was an outstanding
convention and very worthy of SFC support.
I will be there next year, for sure."

-Robert Runté (SF author and editor)

Friday July 21, 2012

"I found When Words Collide to be a very good networking opportunity.
Unbeknownst to me, a person attending my reading at the festival last year
was an editor for a Canadian publisher, and immediately after my reading he
approached me about putting together a collection of my short fiction. Long
story short: my collection, Immunity to Strange Tales will be launched
at When Words Collide this summer by Five Rivers Chapmanry Press!"